1. Office of the University Provost & the Graduate College Present:
Academic Plan Best Practices 2020 – 2021 How to receive fewer questions from us and improve your chances of approval

2. Overview of the Academic Plan
Mandated by ABOR for new degree programs and changes to established degree programs
Upon receipt of the final approval memo, the academic plan requests provides approval to begin the formal proposal process internally at ASU

3. Review Process University Review Vice Provost & Graduate Dean
Provost Review
ABOR Review
Final Decision Memos Distributed
Review Process
You may receive questions from the Provost’s Office or the Graduate College during each review stage. A central academic plan contact for your college may help this process run smoothly.

4. Timeline & Important Dates
Curriculum Changemaker Submissions Due: April 30, 2019
Initial Learning Outcomes and Assessment Plans Due: July 31, 2019
Final Learning Outcomes and Assessment Plans Due: August 30, 2019
University Review: May – November 2019
ABOR Review: October/November, 2019
Final Responses: Early December, 2019

5. Types of Academic Plan Requests
New Programs (degrees, certificates, minors and concentrations)
Program Changes (name change, disestablish or move)
New Academic Unit
Changes to an Existing Academic Unit (department, division, school or college)
Types of Academic Plan Requests

6. ABOR Expectations Audience Market Demand Justification
Assessment/Outcomes
Program Fees
Formal
Intelligent
External to ASU
Strong, well-written descriptions and justifications
New this year: word maximum
Refer specifically to the job market for graduates
Include defensible data
Robust learning outcomes and actionable assessments
3 learning outcomes rather than 2
Well-reasoned program fees
Fee totals (not including tuition)

7. Should We Propose a New Program? (Degree, concentration, certificate)
Can the proposed program be integrated with current offerings?
Can an existing program be renamed/retooled?
If there existing programs already at ASU that might meet this niche? Is there a collaboration opportunity?
Is the program appropriate for the existing college?
Is the degree type appropriate for the degree?  Professional vs research.
Is the major name appropriate for the field? Realistic?
Are the enrollment numbers appropriate?

8. Completing the Requirements
What now?!
Best practices for the completion of the requirements of the academic plan form in Curriculum ChangeMaker

9. The Process: Curriculum ChangeMaker

10. Learning Outcomes & Assessment Plans
Make sure these are submitted for each program through the University Office of Evaluation and Educational Effectiveness assessment portal. Once UOEEE approves, info transmitted to ChangeMaker.
Be prepared to address learning outcomes, concepts, competencies, assessment methods and measures for each new degree or concentration program. Create measures that are challenging but attainable.
ABOR requires 3 learning outcomes, rubrics are strongly recommended, and overall quality minimums are expected. Plans must be able to generate findings usable for continuous improvement efforts.
Use multiple performance criteria and measurements, with at least one direct measure required for each outcome.  Validity and reliability concerns should be addressed as the program progresses.
Assess students during the program and at completion to help drive continuous improvement efforts.
Visit for more information and resources.
Assessment plans are not needed for minors and certificates plans are optional and may be submitted as needed.

11. Program Fees
ABOR requires us to indicate whether ASU’s newly requested programs have will have a program fee and how much per semester is anticipated.
This includes existing fee structures that have already been setup with Budget and Planning.
Proposed program fees must be reviewed and approved through the current budget and tuition/fee approval process. Contact Sheila Ainlay for more information on how to have your program fees approved.

12. Additional Resources/ University Funds
To request university funds to implement a change (new faculty, new academic or office space, renovations, capital equipment), complete the Academic Plan Resources form to document the need.
Additional resources may include new faculty, new academic or office space, renovations, capital equipment,
etc.

13. Collaboration Includes shared curriculum or resources
courses taught by multiple colleges or units
joint degrees conferred by two colleges
Collaboration
Includes
Ensure that conversations regarding collaboration have occurred before the request is submitted, and be ready to speak to the nature of the collaboration.

14. Justification Audience – formal, intelligent and external to ASU
Words
No acronyms except for approved degree abbreviations (ex. The CHS SHS BS…)
No jargon or shortcuts
Present a description of the program AND a justification that presents the case that this program is necessary and important to ASU.

15. Market Need Job Market Data Sources Resources
Career opportunities Job market strength
Job Outlook
Growth
Other Programs
Market Need
Sources
Resources
What is the market need? Think of it this way: What value does this degree offer to students?
Include source attribution for statistics provided
EMSI Burning Glass Bureau of Labor Statistics
Professional and Trade Organization Sources

16. FAQ
Q: Once we receive Academic Plan Approval for a new program, can we launch it right away?
Q: When will we be notified that our Academic Plan requests are approved/denied?
Q: What are Concepts and Competencies?

17. Contacts & Resources Find resources, links and more information at:
General questions should be directed
Assessment plans
Program fees - Sheila Ainlay
Digital immersion
Centers or institutes
Find resources, links and more information at:

18. Questions?